The National Science and Maths Quiz competition presents a level playing field for all competing schools, but it remains a mirage for some senior high schools who hope to clinch the national title. 

This is largely due to the infrastructural deficits plaguing most schools, especially those in rural communities. 

Unyielding to the dreadful circumstances but zealous to lift the name of their school, contestants of Sandema SHS for this year’s National Science and Maths Quiz defied dire transportation challenges to make it to the national competition. 

Exhausted and bathed by the dusty ground, teachers and contestants of Sandema Senior High School traversed the KNUST campus by foot as they navigated their way to the campsite for the ongoing competition. 

Unlike their colleagues from other senior high schools who were fortunate to enjoy a comfortable ride to Kumasi, the proud sons of Sandema SHS joined public transport for their 14-hour journey from the Upper East region to the Ashanti regional capital, Kumasi. 

“In our school we have only one bus. Moving the bus to this place and leaving the school like that, the headmaster thought it wise that at least when anything pops up in the school and they need the bus, they can easily use it. So we decided to come here through a public transit,” the school's coordinator for the quiz revealed.

Undaunted by the challenge, the contestants were poised to uplift the name of their school. 

“Everyone doesn’t expect us to win, but we are going to surprise the stage. We really pray and hope in our Lord that he will not disgrace us. He has been taking us far and then we qualify so the same way, he will lead us to surprise the stage,” Ibrahim Wazefa, a contestant, assured.

Transportation perhaps is the least of their worries. Qualifying for the national competition, the debutants slugged it out with Mfantsipim School and West Africa SHS at the preliminary stage.  

With only their teachers available to cheer them on, the boys managed to secure 12 points at the end of the contest.

Appreciably worried about the scores garnered, the students blamed the inadequate resources at the school to facilitate their education. 

“This result we have earned is basically based on the level of preparation. Because from where we are coming from, it is quite clear that we are not that resourced for this program. But we have done our best and this is the best that we can produce. Next time, we perhaps can do the best for Sandema Senior High,” Henry Ghanew, a contestant for the school stressed.

The school lacks a well-equipped science and IT laboratories to facilitate STEM education, an educational priority of the ruling New Patriotic Party.

“With what we have I can’t say it is a science lab. We have a science laboratory but it is not well equipped to earn the status of being a science lab. For the computer lab, it’s there but we don’t have access to it so we can't know what’s actually inside,” Henry added.

For many senior high schools who are seriously challenged with resources like Sandema SHS, a taste of being national champions will remain a mirage.